Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a Sweet Summertime Treat!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

yield: 18 SERVINGS

prep time: 20 MINUTES

cook time: 4 HOURS 10 MINUTES

total time: 4 HOURS 30 MINUTES

Ingredients

Pretzel Crust:

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 and 1/2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

Strawberry Gelatin Topping:

Directions

1

For the Pretzel Crust:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9"×13" baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees until set, and let cool.

2

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream together the cup of sugar and softened cream cheese, and fold in the Cool Whip.

 

Spread this mixture on top of the pretzel crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges of pan to create a barrier between the gelatin and crust. I recommend placing the pan back in the fridge to cool while you're making the gelatin portion.

3

For the Strawberry Gelatin Topping:

On the stove, boil water and dissolve gelatin. Pour in strawberries. I used frozen strawberries and allowed them to thaw for a few minutes before slicing a few of the bigger ones.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then pour over the cream cheese layer. Place in the fridge until the gelatin completely sets up. It could take about 4 hours in the fridge. 

4

Once the gelatin has set, and the entire dish has cooled, slice into squares, serve & enjoy!

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47 Comments
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5.0 / 7 ratings
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strawberry pretzel salad dessert on spatula

The perfect strawberry dessert recipe is here!

If you like treats that blend sweet and salty flavors, check out this yummy summertime dessert! This popular potluck dessert known as Strawberry Pretzel Salad features layers of strawberries, Jell-O gelatin, and sweetened cream cheese served on top of a buttery pretzel crust. It’s SO good.

strawberry pretzel salad ingredients on counter

What I love about this Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe is not only how simple it is to make, but that it’s also got the best sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy flavors and textures. This dessert really is so yummy!

Hip tips for making the best strawberry pretzel salad: 

    • Feel free to use raspberries and raspberry gelatin if you prefer a more tart berry flavor.
    • Throw a few blueberries on top and you’ll have a red, white, and blue patriotic dessert for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day!
    • I’ve made this recipe with frozen and fresh strawberries. It really is a matter of preference and will be delicious either way.
    • Add chocolate syrup drizzle to the top – it gives you that little bit of chocolate fix that pairs so nicely with the strawberry flavor!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad


Print

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

yield: 18 SERVINGS

prep time: 20 MINUTES

cook time: 4 HOURS 10 MINUTES

total time: 4 HOURS 30 MINUTES

This delicious strawberry pretzel dessert is crunchy, creamy, fruity, and easy to make!

Ingredients

Pretzel Crust:

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 and 1/2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

Strawberry Gelatin Topping:

Directions

1

For the Pretzel Crust:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9"×13" baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees until set, and let cool.

2

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream together the cup of sugar and softened cream cheese, and fold in the Cool Whip.

 

Spread this mixture on top of the pretzel crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges of pan to create a barrier between the gelatin and crust. I recommend placing the pan back in the fridge to cool while you're making the gelatin portion.

3

For the Strawberry Gelatin Topping:

On the stove, boil water and dissolve gelatin. Pour in strawberries. I used frozen strawberries and allowed them to thaw for a few minutes before slicing a few of the bigger ones.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then pour over the cream cheese layer. Place in the fridge until the gelatin completely sets up. It could take about 4 hours in the fridge. 

4

Once the gelatin has set, and the entire dish has cooled, slice into squares, serve & enjoy!

Additional Notes

Adapted from Food.com

Brought to you by Hip2Save.

strawberry pretzel salad dessert on spatula

This simple dessert is always a home run!

My family goes crazy over Strawberry Pretzel Salad and it tastes even better than it looks. The crust is crunchy, almost like toffee, and the creamy middle is so good! Enjoy! 😋


Can’t get enough strawberries? Check out these other yummy recipes…

Strawberry Cake

strawberry cake

This delectable strawberry cake is a summertime favorite in my home! It’s the perfect dessert to whip up for your next get-together or bbq!


Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

stuffed strawberries

If you’re short on time and need a quick dessert to whip up for a crowd, then you’ll love these cheesecake stuffed strawberries. It doesn’t get easier than this and I bet ya can’t eat just one!

Eating keto or have a friend living the keto life? You can make a keto-friendly version and no one will ever be able to tell the difference – they’re that darn good!


Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

shortcake biscuit

Grab a can of biscuits and a few ingredients and you’ll have a berrylicious treat the entire family will love. This strawberry shortcake biscuit recipe is perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat! I love that it’s a frugal dessert too!


Make your strawberries last longer with these helpful tips!


About the writer:

Lina has a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University with 11 years of blogging and photography experience having work featured in Today.com, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Fox News, Buzzfeed, and HGTV.


Join The Discussion

Comments 47

  1. SusanAlyssaTurner

    I forgot about this! One of my favorites! Thanks for the reminder!

  2. MomofBoyz

    I make this every summer and it is a hit! Everyone loves it, and I get asked to bring it to family gathers. If you haven’t tried it, just give it a go, you won’t regret it. Very easy to make too.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh that’s great!

  3. lynnleco

    My favorite! Also I remember a similar version with blueberries and pineapple. Delicious!

  4. Karen

    I’ve made this with raspberries & raspberry jello too.

    • Nancy

      Absolutely the best tasting out of all! This is the only version I make as it is everyone’s favorite.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Awesome – sounds yum!

  5. musbegnarn

    This is a big hit with our family. I make it when we all get together for special occasions. Our family enjoy it year round. 👍👍

  6. Ally

    I made this for a work potluck a few weeks ago and people looked at me funny. I said trust me and try it and they all loved it!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh haha! I agree so GOOD!

  7. KPerez82

    This is one of my favorite recipes!! It is so good!!

  8. Jill

    We have aways called this “Strawberry Pretzel Dessert”. There’s nothing “salad” about it. 🤣😂 Maybe it’s just our region that does this? PNW?

    • Nicole

      I’m from the Midwest and I think we look to classify anything as a salad! It’s definitely a dessert but I can hear my grandma saying “It’s healthy because there’s fruit in it” 😂

      • Jill Legault

        That’s so funny Nicole! I love it. I can just hear her say it, too! LOL

      • Donna

        I call it dessert too ! Yummy no matter what you call it !

    • IfItHasJelloItMustBeASalad

      Southerner here. Anything at Thanksgiving with Jell-O in it (and usually marshmallows) qualifies as “salad.” Cranberry salad, pistachio salad, orange something salad.. we had all the colors. I never understood it.

    • NikkiLLM5

      I’m from MS & have family in AL. We’ve always called it Strawberry Pretzel Dessert too.

      • Erin

        I’m from South Dakota originally, and have lived in Missouri for 12 years. I understand the salads with jello and marshmallows and such, but I would call this one a dessert because it’s layered. I suppose it’s whatever you learned, and probably varies even from one family to another in the same area

  9. christinelease

    Make it with gluten free pretzels!! It doesn’t get as soggy for leftovers…if there are any! 😂😂😂 it’s the only way I make it now!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Wow great tip! Thanks so much!

      • Mary Byce

        I just made it with gluten free pretzels and they are more difficult to get to small crumb size even with my cuisinart. Just keep going. Also do not pour all the salt from the bag in as it makes the crust too salty. I double it for a large glass 10X14x3 pan.

        • Kathleen

          Depends on the brand of pretzels you’re using!

  10. christinelease

    Make it with gluten free pretzels! It’s not soggy if there are leftovers!! The best way to make it!!

  11. Becky

    Too many diabetics in my family..i make the crust out of pecans, use SF jello and vanilla coffee syrup to sweeten the cream cheese..even the non diabetics love it

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      That’s a great idea – thanks for sharing!

    • dkwells2

      I think pecans is what my grandmother used too. Pretzels don’t taste right to me because of that.

    • NikkiLLM5

      I gotta try it this way! Thanks for sharing! My hubby’s side has a few diabetics so this would be great for their family gatherings!

    • Lisalyn

      Wow, thanks Becky! Your way sounds like a great option for anyone who wants or needs to limit sugar.

    • Judy Branch

      So how much Liquid French Vanilla Coffee cream is used to mix with Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese for middle layer

  12. Joy

    I LOVE this, so good

  13. Maria

    My favorite Maryland dessert! I was having a major craving for this at the beginning of quarantine and made it with a few adjustments and it worked perfectly. The secret is making sure the cream cheese layer doesn’t have any gaps and letting the jello firm up in the fridge to just under set before pouring on top or the pretzels will get soggy. My adjustments were using fresh strawberries and a few ice cubes since I didn’t have frozen. I also didn’t have cool whip so I whipped up some fresh whipped cream and that was bangin.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Awesome! Thanks so much for adding your tweeks 👍

  14. sarahwadsworth

    I haven’t had this in years! Definitely making this summer. I feel like my Gram made it with crushed graham crackers? Or would that basically be cheese cake?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      I think that sounds yummy too!

  15. Melissa

    Can I make this a day in advance or will it get soggy?

    • Elizabeth

      I make this upside down, jello on the bottom, then bake the pretzel park on a cookie sheet break it up put it in a bag and top as we eat it or right before serving !

  16. Kenneth Wunderlich

    What is the amount of pecans, vanilla coffee syrup and jello that you use.

  17. Rachel

    It says dissolve gelatin into the 2 cups of boiling water, but do we then add the two cups of cold water like we’re making actual Jello? Thanks!

    • Jo

      I’m from the south as well & have always called it strawberry pretzel salad. My recipe is slightly different. It calls for crushed pineapple (drained, save the juice) plus save the juice from the thawed strawberries. If needed add a little water to juices in order to make 2 cps. for boiling to add jello to. Add the strawberries & c. pineapple to jello, place in freezer just long enough for it to begin to set before pouring it on top of other ingredients. Makes the topping much richer tasting.

      • Cat

        Exactly! This is a staple at potlucks here in Savannah GA. I love the texture that the pineapple gives the topping. Also, we always use those frozen strawberries in liquid, not the new frozen “smoothy” strawberries or fresh ones.

  18. Cat

    This is very similar to the one I make, except my recipe has crushed pineapple mixed with the strawberry topping.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      That sounds yummy too, Cat! Thanks for sharing your version! I may need to try it!

  19. April

    Such a fun treat! I always make each layer separate and serve it in big bowls. That way people can dish up how much they want of each and we don’t have to worry about it getting soggy.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      What a fun idea! I think my kids would enjoy it that way! Thanks for commenting!

  20. Alesia

    Our favorite desert! But instead of 1 cup of granulated sugar in the filling, we use 1 cup of powdered sugar. Much better tasting and fluffier.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for the tip, Alesia!

  21. huertac1

    My grandma (rest in peace) made this with raspberries. It is my favorite dessert. I will try this!

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